Addis Ababa is set to host a landmark event from May 15-17, 2025, as the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC) and the Made-in-Pakistan Exhibition take center stage at Millennium Hall. This major event, organized by the Government of Pakistan, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Embassy of Pakistan in Addis Ababa, promises to create a dynamic platform for strengthening economic and trade partnerships between Pakistan and East African nations.

Atif Sharif Mian, Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia, emphasized the importance of this gathering for both Pakistan and East Africa. “With a population of 250 million, Pakistan represents a vast market for African exports, including commodities, agriculture, and goods. Ethiopia, strategically located, serves as the gateway to East Africa and beyond, including Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Western China,” he said. He further highlighted that improved air connectivity, such as Ethiopian Airlines’ flights to Karachi, and the planned shipping line to Djibouti, will enhance regional trade opportunities.

Dr. Jemal Beker, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the immense potential for collaboration. “We have already held forums in Pakistan to showcase Ethiopia’s investment opportunities. As the gap between parallel and official foreign exchange markets has narrowed, we see increasing interest from Pakistani investors in Ethiopia,” Dr. Beker noted. He stressed that the event would promote Ethiopia as a business-friendly hub, offering robust investment prospects.

The 5th PATDC will feature over 130 exhibitors from Pakistan, displaying a wide array of products in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, food, agro-products, leather goods, and cosmetics. The exhibition aims to foster B2B interactions, with each Pakistani exhibitor set to engage in 9 to 10 meetings with African buyers, laying the groundwork for strong commercial partnerships.

The event will kick off on May 15, 2025, with a high-level conference that brings together government officials, business leaders, and diplomats from Pakistan and East Africa. Discussions will center on strategies for enhancing trade ties, addressing barriers to business, and advancing regional economic integration. The conference will offer a chance for African nations—including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia—to explore collaborative trade opportunities with Pakistani counterparts.

The exhibition will also offer ample networking opportunities for delegates and exhibitors, facilitating partnerships that could lead to long-term economic growth. To celebrate the strong cultural and commercial ties between the regions, a gala dinner and cultural night will be held, reinforcing the spirit of mutual cooperation.